11 Ways to Upgrade Your Patio from Good to Great

The calendar, along with the dropping temperatures in many areas, may serve as a reminder that the winter is all but officially upon us. Believe it or not, however, the time to start thinking about enjoying your backyard or patio area is now. In fact, by starting now and planning well in advance, you’ll be ready to get a jump on your outdoor makeover so it’ll be ready to use as soon as the weather starts to take a turn for warmer temperatures. Not sure where to begin? Here are 11 ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

Utilize All Your Space – You may already be using an area that’s designated as a patio for enjoying your time outdoors or even entertaining during warmer months, but now’s a great time to look around and see if there are other areas that you might not yet be utilizing. For instance, could that secluded corner of your yard be turned into a lovely, quiet place to sit, relax and unwind by simply cleaning it up and adding some furniture and accessories? Our cabanas and fire pits are popular additions to blank spaces in any yard.
Brighten It Up with Lush Vegetation – Never underestimate the power of things like potted plants, planted bushes, flowers and other greenery to really brighten up an outdoor space and bring it to life. You could even utilize shrubs and trees to wall off your outdoor area and make it a more secluded, cozy place to sit and talk with friends or family. Water your new vegetation by hand or install a misting system with a timer to set it and forget it.
Add the Tranquility of Water – Just because your property may not be located close to a body of water doesn’t mean you can’t bring that peaceful tranquility to your own private back yard. Things like koi ponds, man-made streams and fountains can make a lovely addition to any patio area. And you may be surprised at how inexpensive it can be to capture the essence of a nearby watering hole. All it takes is a little creativity and some initiative.
Use Color to Capture Your Vision – What do you want your patio area to be once the warmer weather rolls around? A fun, exciting space filled with lively conversation and an underlying buzz of energy? Or, maybe you prefer a quieter space where peaceful gatherings and warm conversation take place. In any case, colors can be what truly brings your vision to life. For instance, in the former case, choose furniture, accessories and accents that are bright and vibrant. For the latter, opt for tones that are more earthy, calm and muted.
Install a Misting System – The temperature outside now may be gloriously crisp, but don’t neglect to plan for those weeks and months to come when the mercury will surely rise. Make your patio area into a soothing retreat from the sweltering heat by investing in a misting system. This will allow you and your guests to enjoy the great outdoors in cool comfort even when everyone else is stuck inside. In fact, you may find your outdoor oasis is the place to be for all your friends and family.
Capture an Air of Elegance – Want to turn your patio area into a place where people want to gather? You don’t have to spend a ton of money. All you have to do is choose the right furniture and accents. Even if you’re on a budget, a basic table and chairs set or couch can be purchased – new or used- and easily transformed by adding outdoor-friendly covers and accessories, like throw pillows. Figure out what you want your space to look and feel like, then get to work finding the materials to make it a reality.
Get Crafty – If you’re particularly handy and/or creative you can apply your skills to creating your own DIY patio furniture and accessories. For example, sites like Pinterest feature countless ideas for how to turn things like wooden pallets and even cement cinder blocks into shabby-chic tables, utilitarian seating and more. Best of all, these types of design projects don’t usually cost much more than your time and energy, so you’ll save money while upgrading your patio!
Heat things Up with Fire – Nothing brings people together quite like the sights, sounds and smells of a cozy fireplace. You can capture this same feeling by incorporating an outdoor fire pit or fire place into your patio design. Gather ‘round the crackling flames as the sun sinks into the horizon, enjoy some cocktails and conversation or even whip out the marshmallows and make s’mores (and unforgettable memories while you’re at it).
Bring the Indoors Out – Another popular patio design idea is using furniture, accents and accessories that have the feel and coziness of an indoor space. For instance, to replicate the comfort and elegance of your indoor living room, you may wish to invest in outdoor products that are similar but feature rugged, durable materials that are designed to withstand weather, such as rattan. This allows you to create an interior appeal with amenities that translate to the great outdoors.
Accessorize – Even if you’ve already got furniture for your patio area, you can really spruce things up and breathe new life into your outdoor space simply by adding the right touch of accessories. Think colorful throw pillows, patterned cushions, elegant lighting and chic accent tables. Incorporate a color scheme to bring everything together and voila! You’ve got a beautifully designed area that feels fresh and new!
Use Outdoor Heaters – Finally, you can extend the amount of time you get to enjoy your outdoor area by investing in a patio heater. You can choose from a wide variety of styles, sizes, materials and designs and even decide which type of heat would work best for your space (i.e. electric, propane or gas). That way as the temps start to dip once again, you and your guests won’t be forced to bring the party back inside.

What kind of outdoor space do you have to work with? Are you struggling to find your inner creativity or just need someone to help flush out some of your ideas? Give our experts a call. We can help you design the perfect patio for your needs and well in advance so that you’ll be ready to enjoy it as soon as the weather allows. Contact us today and, as always….stay cool my friends.